Identifying the best new bikes for shorter riders is a fairly common request – that’s why we came up with our guide to the ‘Best motorcycles for shorter riders'. After all, being able to put your feet comfortably and confidently on the ground and not feeling overwhelmed by the height or bulk of a machine is a big deal and can be key to enjoying your biking.
But there’s a flip side to the same coin – bikes that suit taller riders – which, for some, is almost as important. And although we’re the first to admit that feeling too large or cramped on a particular bike is more of a discomfort than a danger, taller riders nearly always prefer a roomier machine.
Generally speaking, the best indicator of a bike’s suitability for tall types is its seat height. A high saddle usually implies extra legroom and the roomier proportions which suit taller riders – but this isn’t always the case. Custom bikes such as Harleys, for example, although having very low, cruiser-style saddles, also often have extended ‘highway pegs’ and tall ‘ape hanger’ bars that give plenty of room for tall riders.
For the most part, though, seat height remains a good guide and for simplicity and consistency’s sake, it’s the main measure we’re going by here. And although that also favours off-road or adventure style bikes, who’s larger diameter wheels and longer travel suspension combine to also high seat heights, with such a wide variety of styles and capacities of such bikes these days there’s a far broader and more interesting choice than you might expect. So, with no further ado, here’s our pick of the best, across all kinds of category…
Best A1/125 for tall riders - Yamaha R125 | 820mm
A1 licence-compliant 125s, which are specifically designed to be unintimidating, novice-friendly machines for first-timers, wouldn’t be expected to be at all high or ungainly in a way that’d suit taller riders – quite the opposite in fact. But there are exceptions. Until recently, Honda’s V-twin Varadero 125 proved popular with taller riders for its full-sized, adventure bike styled proportions and remains an in-demand used buy for that very reason. The closest new equivalent today, meanwhile, is the Sinnis 125 Terrain, which, also with adventure bike roominess and a fairly tall saddle height of 800mm is better suited than most to taller riders. But it’s not the tallest. Although sports machines don’t usually suit larger riders, in the 125cc category Yamaha’s recently updated ‘mini R1’, the R125, has become a best seller not just for its MotoGP styling and sophisticated equipment, but also for full-sized sports bike proportions akin to Yamaha’s own 600cc R6. That still doesn’t make it a big, roomy bike but it’s not bad for a 125 and, with an 820mm seat height that’s the highest in the class, is almost roomy. Read our Yamaha R125 review here.
- Engine: 125cc, l/c, sohc single
- Power: 15bhp
- Kerb weight: 144kg
- Fuel capacity: 11 litres
- Seat options: N
- Price (2024): £5302
Best A2 bike for tall riders - Honda NX500 | 830mm
It’s a testament to the popularity and versatility of adventure bikes that there are now even ones available under 500cc and 47bhp which are compliant with the A2 licence category. Honda’s soft, friendly, twin cylinder CB500X, renamed and updated as the NX500 for 2024, remains a favourite and is just as easy and affordable as its CBR500R and CB500F sportster and roadster siblings. It’s proved a big seller – deservedly so for its class leading, flexible and gently 47bhp powertrain, decent build quality, reliability and accessible but appealing ‘big bike’ proportions. It’s also reasonably spacious, agile, long-legged and yet still nimble. And, with its extended, adventure-style suspension front and rear, quality digital clocks, 19in, adventure-style front wheel (the rear’s a 17incher) it provides a slim but roomy 830mm seat height that should find favour with the tallest of riders yet still without feeling intimidating. Read our Honda NX500 review here.
- Engine: 471cc, l/c, dohc twin
- Power: 47bhp
- Kerb weight: 196kg
- Fuel capacity: 17.5 litres
- Seat options: N
- Price (2024): £6799
Best trail bike for tall riders - Honda CRF300L Rally | 885mm
Another by-product of the huge current popularity of adventure bikes is the dwindling number of traditional trail bikes after being so popular in the latter part of last century. Perhaps that’s not too surprising: after all, adventure bikes blend road comfort and performance with off road style and (usually at least some) ability so well that genuine trailies, the purer, lighter, dual purpose machines that do without their adventure cousins’ fairings and big tanks and are usually powered by slim, lightweight single-cylinder engines, have little appeal. Unless you’re particularly tall yet want a light, city-friendly dual-purpose bike, that is. Thankfully, Honda has got it covered with its CRF300L, the update of the old CRF250L, at 880mm and 27bhp with an even taller, more versatile version available in the form of the faired, more comfortable Rally at £750 more and with a saddle height of 885mm.
- Engine: 286cc, l/c, sohc single
- Power: 27bhp
- Kerb weight: 153kg
- Fuel capacity: 12.8 litres
- Seat options: N
- Price (2024): £6549
Best middleweight for tall riders - Yamaha Ténéré 700 Rally Edition | 895mm
One of the biggest sales hits of recent years has been Yamaha’s adventure version of its MT-07 roadster twin. The Ténéré 700 uses a slightly detuned version of the roadster’s brilliantly peppy, 73bhp parallel twin and retains much of its affordability, yet delivers all that in a tall, upright, roomy and genuinely dual-purpose adventure bike package. The Ténéré’s saddle, at a lofty 875mm, has enough legroom for all, yet, being slim and relatively light, isn’t too intimidating. It is also decent over distance thanks to its fairing and reasonable comfort and is adequate around town, too. There are alternatives: BMW’s newly-updated F900GS Adventure (previously F850GSA) also brings a tall seat (875mm with taller 890mm version available) along with a bigger tank and roomier proportions while KTM’s smallest adventure offering so far, the updated 390 Adventure, also offers big proportions (an 855mm saddle) and genuine dual-purpose ability in a lightweight, small capacity package. But the biggest/tallest/best of all is the Rally Edition version of the Ténéré, with a dedicated Rally seat taking its height up to 895mm, 20mm more than the stock bike, and also gets an Akrapovic can, bash plate, rad guard and more. Read our Yamaha Ténéré 700 World Raid review here.
- Engine: 689cc, l/c, dohc twin
- Power: 73bhp
- Kerb weight: 203kg
- Fuel capacity: 16 litres
- Seat options: Y
- Price (2024): £11,410
Best retro bike for tall riders - Triumph Scrambler 1200XE | 870mm
We’ve grown used to the unendingly popular retro bike category, as kicked off initially by Triumph’s reborn Bonnevillle in 2000, being dominated by old-fashioned, relatively light and low roadster twins. Apart from the Bonnie there’s Guzzi’s V7, BMW’s RnineT, Yamaha’s XSR and many more, most of which are simply too dinky for lankier riders. But that’s ignoring the ‘scrambler’ retro off-shoot: off-road variants inspired by the classic scramblers of the 1960s and pioneered by the Triumph themselves in 2008 with the Triumph Bonneville Scrambler. These bikes, with their bigger wheels, sometimes longer suspension, higher bars and so on have all the olde worlde retro charm of their roadster brethren but with added legroom which taller riders will welcome. BMW offers a version of its RnineT, the Urban G/S inspired by 1980’s original R80G/S while until recently Ducati had its Desert Sled, based on the popular, novice-friendly, 72bhp Scrambler 800 V-twin. But with that bike now deleted the3 tallest of the type now comes from Triumph. The British firm currently has two scramblers, the more entry-level Scrambler 900 and the Scrambler 1200, the latter available in newly-updated street ‘X’ and hardcore enduro ‘XE’ trim, with longer suspension now by Marzocchi, true off road ability, a starring role in the latest James Bond flick ‘No Time To Die’ and the tallest seat in the class at a whopping 870mm. Read our Triumph Scrambler 1200XE review here.
- Engine: 1200cc, l/c, dohc triple
- Power: 89bhp
- Kerb weight: 230kg
- Fuel capacity: 15 litres
- Seat options: Y
- Price (2024): £13,295
Best supermoto for tall riders - Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono | 904mm
There’s no question that supermotos – basically punchy enduro or motocross bikes that have been converted for road and track with street wheels, tyres and brakes – have pretty niche appeal. But there’s also no doubt that their lively, ultra-nimble performance is great fun and that their lofty saddles are particularly suited to lankier riders. No, they’re not for everyone and have limited practicality – motorways would be unbearable while pillions or luggage are impossibility – but for short, twist-packed, Sunday blasts few bikes are more fun. Of the current versions available one stands out – Ducati’s brand new, single cylinder Hypermotard 698 which is powered by a monster 659cc single (basically half the old Superquadro V-twin) producing 77.5bhp, an ultralight and nimble chassis and a bonkers 904mm saddle height (although a slightly easier 889mm low seat option is available). Read our Ducati Hypermotard 698 Mono review here.
- Engine: 659cc, l/c, single
- Power: 77.5bhp
- Kerb weight: 151kg
- Fuel capacity: 12litres
- Seat options: Y
- Price (2024): £10,995
Best adventure bike for tall riders - KTM 1290 Super Adventure R | 880mm
Now we’re talking. The modern breed of adventure bikes, big-bore global travellers inspired by BMW’s original, 2002 R1150GS Adventure complete with long distance fuel tanks, tall off-road suspension and the towering seat heights to match, have redefined how big motorcycles can be and are also hugely tempting for taller riders. If you want versatility, the ability to tackle M-ways two-up with luggage, twisting A-roads and even a bit of dirt, not to mention rugged off-road style, nothing comes close – hence their enduring popularity. But when it comes to sheer size and aplomb three stand out: the brand new, taller (870-890mm), more off-road Rally version of Ducati’s brilliantly sophisticated and 170bhp fast Multistrada V4; BMW’s brand new R1300GS (850mm), complete with all-new 145bhp ‘ShiftCam’ boxer (not to mention an options list that’d shame Range Rover) and, arguably, the biggest, slickest and most potent of the lot, KTM’s range-topping, more off-road ‘R’ variant of its 1290 Super Adventure which, with 880mm saddle, 160bhp twin, TFT screen and electronics including adapative cruise control and even decent off-road manners stands, at least in some ways, head and shoulders above the lot. Read our KTM 1290 Super Adventure R review here.
- Engine: 1301cc, l/c, dohc V-twin
- Power: 158bhp
- Dry weight: 221kg
- Fuel capacity: 23litres
- Seat options: Y
- Price (2024): £18,199
Best all-rounder for tall riders - Ducati Multistrada V4 S| 810-875mm
‘This is just another big adventure bike’ I hear you saying, but there’s a difference. While machines like the aforementioned BMW GS and KTM Super Adventure are true off-roaders, there’s another breed, a bit like the SUV ‘soft roaders’ in the car world, who have much of the off-road style and size of true adventure machines but in truth are pure roadsters. As such, they combine roominess and comfort but with more sporty, touring ability. Kawasaki’s big, four-cylinder Versys, typifies this. And with ample comfort, litre-bike performance yet upright proportions including a 840mm seat height is a great option for tall riders. While BMW’s 165bhp S1000XR delivers near superbike performance from its S1000R-derived four-cylinder engine in a roomy, upright package also with a 840mm seat height. But the roomiest, most capable and most versatile of all is surely Ducati’s latest, brilliant, V4-powered Multistrada which, with its ballistic 170bhp V4, fabulous handling and specification, especially in S trim, range of models and, crucially, a seat height that, in standard trim is adjustable between 840 and 860mm but also has options for an 875mm high seat or 810mm low seat is truly the most adaptable bike for tall riders available. Read our Ducati Multistrada V4 S review here.
- Engine: 1158cc, l/c, dohc V4
- Power: 170bhp
- Kerb weight: 228kg
- Fuel capacity: 22litres
- Seat options: Y
- Price (2024): from £20,495
Best Supernaked for tall riders - BMW S1000R | 830-850mm
If you can’t face the bulk and blurred edges of an ‘adventure sports’ machine such as BMW’s S1000R derived S1000XR, super nakeds provide a purer sports alternative for those wanting superbike performance but with a more roomy, upright riding position – and there’s a flood of options. Kawasaki has its ‘big and bold’ supercharged Z H2, with a whopping 198bhp, 830mm saddle and big all-round proportions; Aprilia has the brilliant V4 1100 Tuono, with a saddle height of 825mm, the same as Yamaha’s impressive MT-10, and Ducati’s Streetfighter V4, as derived from the outrageous Panigale V4 superbike, is arguably even more impressive with 208bhp and a high 845mm saddle. The tallest (potentially) and most versatile (arguably) is the S1000R itself, which has a standard seat of 830mm but also an optional high seat version at 850mm. There is now also, for 2024, the high performance M1000R version with 210bhp from £19,480 while KTM now have the new 1390 Super Duke R with a seat heigh of 834mm. Read our BMW S1000R review here.
- Engine: 999c, l/c, dohc four
- Power: 165bhp
- Kerb weight: 199kg
- Fuel capacity: 16.5litres
- Seat options: Y
- Price (2024): £13,100
Best Sportsbike for tall riders - Yamaha YZF-R1| 855mm
OK, we realize that pure sports bikes, with their cramped, racer riding positions, low screens and high footpegs, are possibly the least comfortable bikes of all for taller riders but we couldn’t ignore the category completely and it’s worth exploring what’s on offer if you’re tall and interested in the ultimate in performance machines. With that said, until recently we’d have had no hesitation in recommending the old Honda Fireblade (2008-17) or earlier BMW S1000RR (2009-18) both of which combined ballistic but road-friendly performance with relatively roomy, real world ergonomics. Since then, however, superbikes have become significantly more extreme and cramped, so much so that, where the ‘M1-alike’ Yamaha R1 from 2015 was once considered the most compact and cramped bike in the class, the latest, slightly revised version, is now one of the roomiest, with the loftiest seat height of 855mm. It is worth adding, however, that in this category more than most seat heights don’t necessarily equate to roomy riding positions. Pegs can be high and cramped, bar placements low, screens tiny and so on, so much so that the only real way of finding out if they fit is by trying them for size yourself. Read our Yamaha YZF-R1 review here.
- Engine: 998c, l/c, dohc four
- Power: 197bhp
- Kerb weight: 201kg
- Fuel capacity: 17litres
- Seat options: N
- Price (2024): £18,810
Best used bikes for tall riders
Fancy a used option? Here’s our five of the best:
Ducati 950 Hypermotard (2019 - current): £8,100 - 10,900
Ducati’s outgoing V-twin supermoto has an 870mm tall seat
Honda XL125V Varadero (2001 - 2009): £1,500 - 3,400
Ageing adventure 125 V-twin still in demand for roomy 800mm+ seat
Kawasaki Versys X-300 (2017 - 2020): £3,400 - 4,000
Short-lived, twin cylinder A2 adventure features tall, 845mm seat.
BMW S 1000 XR (2015 – 2019): £6,500 - 11,000
First gen’ 160bhp four-cylinder adventure sport is great, tall all-rounder
KTM 1290 Super Duke GT (2016 - current): £8,500 - 16,500
Brilliant sports-tourer twin suits tall riders and is good value used.
